Considérations sur la signification et l’origine de la fibule-pectoral de Želenice en Bohême

Abstract

Considerations about the meaning and the origin of the pectoral-brooch from Želenice in Bohemia. The pectoral-brooch from Želenice, discovered in 1843, is one of the most illustrated and discussed Iron age archeological discoveries from Bohemia. A new research, based on a Late bronze age pectoral from Slovakia, indicates a symbolic representation of the measure to correct the difference between lunar and solar year (two supplementary months every five years). Before, only three evidences are known: an engraving on stone slab from Knowth in Ireland, from the fourth millenium B.C., the Slovak pectoral, dated around 1200 B.C., and the calendar of Coligny, second century A.D. The origin of the pectoral-brooch from Želenice, now dated in the fifth century B.C., seems to be central alpine area rather than Balkans.